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This Blackberry and citrus cocktail is the drink to make this Fall and with the addition of Empress Gin, it’s even better!
With cooler temperatures in the air now, making Fall cocktails are perfect for this time of the year. This Blackberry Citrus Cocktail with Rosemary Simple Syrup is just the gin cocktail you’ll want to make this season.
If you like gin cocktails like I do, you’ll want to try this Grapefruit Gin Spritz, Hibiscus Gin Sour Cocktail, Sparkling Pomegranate Gin and Tonic, and this Fall Themed Pear Gin Rosemary Fizz cocktail. They are all so good!
What ingredients are needed for this Blackberry Citrus Cocktail?
Blackberries– fresh blackberries are best for the recipe, but if you use frozen, thaw them first.
Oranges– Cara Cara oranges are used in this recipe because of the pink looking flesh and flavor is described as a cross between a very sweet orange and raspberries or blackberries.
Lemon- lemons are used for an extra hint of citrus flavor.
Sugar– granulated sugar is necessary to make the simple syrup
Rosemary- rosemary gives the simple syrup a woodsy flavor
Gin- Empress 1908 Indigo Gin is the main alcohol component that gives the cocktail a beautiful hue.
What type of gin is used in this Blackberry Citrus Cocktail?
Empress 1908 Indigo Gin is the gin I used for this cocktail. It’s beautiful and delicious and perfect to go with the ingredients!
Empress 1908 Indigo Gin is a hand-crafted spirit from Victoria Distillers in British Columbia, Canada, and is inspired by the renowned tea and cocktail programs of the iconic Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria.
It is micro-distilled in small batch copper-pot stills using eight botanicals: juniper, rose, coriander seed, grapefruit peel, ginger root, cinnamon bark, butterfly pea blossoms and the Fairmont Empress Blend Tea
The butterfly pea blossom imparts subtle earthy notes and an all-natural indigo hue with a stunning secret to reveal: with the addition of citrus or tonic, Empress 1908 transforms from vivid indigo blue to a delicate soft pink.
How is the simple syrup made?
To make the simple syrup, add granulated sugar, water and a rosemary sprig to a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook the syrup just until the sugar is melted into the liquid and the mixture becomes clear, about 3-4 minutes. You can tell when it’s ready because you will no longer see any of the granulated sugar at the bottom of the saucepan and the mixture is fully bubbling.
How is the Blackberry Citrus Cocktail put together?
To put this cocktail together, add blackberries and 1 teaspoon of sugar to a coup glass. Muddle the berries gently with a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon.
Then, to a cocktail shaker add orange juice, lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of simple syrup. If you like your cocktails more on the sweet side, then add a bit more of the simple syrup.
Add ice to the shaker and shake until the cocktail is cold.
Pour the mixture over the muddled blackberries, then pour or float the Empress Gin on top. Garnish with fresh blackberries and a sprig of rosemary.
Tools & Equipment
Cocktail Shaker– You can use any type of cocktail shaker you like. They’re pretty inexpensive. I love using a clear glass shaker like this one, just so you can see all of the ingredients right through it! But if you want a regular shaker, this one is great too!
Cocktail Jigger– Using a jigger to measure out your alcohol makes it easier to proportion your cocktail. This one is perfect.
Coupe Glass– Coupe glasses make a cocktail that much cuter. These are a great option.
Simple Syrup– simple syrup is easy to make. But if you don’t want to make it each time you make a cocktail, you can keep some on hand like this one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave out the rosemary in the simple syrup?
Yes, you do not have to use rosemary for this cocktail. It is optional. It just gives the drink a more woodsy, Autumn flavor.
Can I substitute the simple syrup for something else in the cocktail?
If you don’t have any simple on hand, agave is a great option.
How far in advance can you make the Blackberry Citrus Cocktail?
Pre-mixing cocktails is a great idea to help you save time. Especially if you are making more than one. You can mix the orange juice, lemon juice and simple syrup in a separate container until ready to serve. Then just muddle the berries, pour the citrus mixture to the glass and top with the gin.
Here Are Other Delicious Fall Cocktails:
Blackberry Citrus Cocktail with Rosemary Simple Syrup
This Blackberry and citrus cocktail is the drink to make this Fall and with the addition of Empress Gin, it’s even better!
Equipment
- 1 Shaker
- 1 Muddler
- 1 Jigger
Ingredients
Rosemary Simple Syrup
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary
Cocktail
- 3 blackberries
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp rosemary simple syrup
- 2 Cara Cara oranges (1/2 cup)
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 2.5 oz Empress Gin
Garnish
- Rosemary
- Blackberries
Instructions
Rosemary Simple Syrup
- Add sugar, water, and rosemary to a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook just until the sugar is melted into the liquid and the mixture becomes clear, about 3-4 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Cocktail
- Add blackberries and 1 teaspoon of sugar to a coup glass. Muddle with a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon. Set aside.To a cocktail shaker add orange juice, lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of simple syrup. Add ice and shake until cold. Pour mixture over the muddled blackberries. Pour or float Empress Gin on top. Garnish with fresh blackberries and a sprig of rosemary.
